Recommended+Hardware

There is a hardware accessories side to iPads in the classroom which we should consider.

=Connectors= Certainly the VGA connector (around 30 euros, branded version - much less for generic) and the Camera Kit is a good edition allowing connection to beamers and to keyboards when using Garage Band for example. The camera kit will enable connection of an external microphone or running through a midi connector of a keyboard. The VGA connector will allow projection of the iPad desktop and all apps. Great for presentations to parents or students although not wireless. For the wireless option check the next section.

=Apple TV= It may be worth the ISE network looking at Apple TV in iPad one to one classes. This would allow wireless mirroring (via Airplay) of the ipad screen through the ATV and to a projector or TV. Effectively the teacher can move anywhere in the class and teach with the iPad.

Connectors are around euros 30 and ATV goes for about euros120. Even if having to buy a HDMI beamer (or using a converter to an existing vga projector) it is a significant cost saving over interactive whiteboards.

This is a quick rundown of the kit you need to get ATV working in your classroom:

You need: A WIFI signal. ATV unit. The converter - This must be an active converter (usually powered).....a cable converter will not work...this is the[| link] to one available in Italy. The video and audio stream goes from the ATV to the converter via an HDMI cable (you need to buy this as ATV does not include one) A[| left and right RCA connector cable]  from the converter to powered speakers. What you need depends on the speakers so it is difficult to be more specific here, easiest way is an adapter to minijack so maybe [|this] is all you need. Everything here has been tested and it works fine.....the volume on small computer speaker is not great so a PA speaker or an amplified pair of speakers would be best. Note: This setup also works with an existing whiteboard unit. You connect the VGA cable and audio to the converter above and it should work. You lose the interactive whiteboard functionality naturally.